MARION COUNTY, GA - NEWSPAPERS - Misc obits, marriages, etc. Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Judith Gresham" Table of Contents page: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/marion.htm Georgia Table of Contents: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm From Marion County Patriot dated July 23, 1886 Death of Dr. Baker Dr. James Lawrence Baker breathed his last at his home in Buena Vista yesterday morning at 7:30 o'clock. He was about seventy-three years of age, and for the last six or seven years has been a sufferer with cancer of the face, which gradually fed upon his physical system until he succumbed to its ravages. He bore this affliction with great patience and was cheerful to the last. He leaves a wife and four children and a large circle of friends to mourn his loss. Dr. Baker was one of the oldest settlers now living in this county. He first settled at Tazewell and from there he moved to Pineville. He came to Buena Vista about thirty-five years ago where he has resided until his death. His remains were laid to rest in the Baptist cemetery in Buena Vista yesterday afternoon at 6 o'clock, surrounded by his relatives and friends who deeply mourn his loss: Col. E. M. Butt, who has been a great friend of Dr. Baker, officiated at his funeral, it having been a dying request of the doctor that he should do so. From the Marion County Patriot dated June 22, 1888 Death of Mrs. Baker Mrs. Mary Baker, consort of the late Dr. J. L. Baker, died last Friday afternoon at 1 o'clock of paralysis. Although she was old, being sixty-six years of age, and not in very good health this sudden death was unexpected by her relatives and friends. She was visiting the family of Mr. Ch. H. McCall on Wednesday afternoon last week, was taken sick the following Thursday afternoon and died on Friday afternoon before any of her absent children could reach her. She was buried at the Baptist cemetery Saturday morning surrounded by a large number of friends and relatives. Rev. B. S. Sentell performed the burial services. Mrs. Baker had been a resident of Buena Vista for many years and was loved and respected by all who knew her, she leaves four children to mourn her loss and they are Dr. Edwin Baker of Texas, Dr. J. L. Baker, of Seale, Ala., Mrs. Hamp Stevens of Columbus, and Mrs. J. W. Roberts of this place, who have the sympathies of a large circle of friends in their sad bereavement. Marion County Patriot dated 9-23-1887 Died in Texas wife of Edwin Baker at Bremond, Texas on Monday. From the Marion County Patriot dated 10-9-1903 In Memory of Harvey Baby boy of Dr. and Mrs. R. L. McMichael, of Buena Vista, Ga. Oh! a precious, blue eyed baby With a constant and gladsome smile A for-get-me-not of heaven Dear Harvey brightened earth awhile. Earth's flow'rs with fragrance and beauty Charmed this darling baby always An annual flower was Harvey, Scarce a year were his life's few days. The body, its calix, wished to hold Ths floweret, so sweet and so fair And tossed and trembled with striving; But t'was plucked for Jesus to wear. But death was not the grim monster That men, sin- polutted behold; To him t'was the tender transplanter Placing him mid beauties untold. We know, the flowers should perish But does the short life of a child Give glory (for which it was made) To Jesus, the blessed Christ child. The blossom must fall; but the seed, Left behind, takes roo in the sod Of hearts to whome it was given Live again as bright goldenrod. The pangs that tossed him when falling Will not, for a moment, compare With glories revealed in Harvey, With the joys he forever will share. Take comfort, dear parents, bereaved, Your little one o'er sees the face Of his loving Father in heav'n Nestles close to his fond embrace E. Alice Webb From the Marion County Patriot dated July 30, 1900 Hammer - McMichael That was a pretty church wedding at the Baptist church last Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock, in which Mr. Homer Hill Hamner of Childersburg, and Miss Lillian Corrinne McMichael were made man and wife. There ceremony was performed in a beautiful and impressive manner by Rev. R. L. Wiggins. The church altar was beautifully and tastily decorated with rare flowers which formed an appropriate scene of loveliness. Just previous to the ceremony, while the audience were waiting, Mrs. S. N. Rushin rendered a pretty vocal solo, and when this song was finished, Miss Lucille Lowe began the wedding march. The ushers, Messrs. Will Wooten and Jack McMichael, entered the right and left aisles, crossed in front of the altar and took their places, and they were followed in the same manner by the flower girls, little Misses Ella Bess McMichael and Minnie McMichael. Then the bride entered on the arm of her sister, Miss Lois McMichael, and the groom entered on the arm of his best man, Mr. Louis Webb, and the bride and groom met in front of the minister at the altar where the ceremony was performed. After the ceremony the bride and groom made exit by the middle aisle, followed by the groomsman and bride's maid, then the flower girls and the ushers. The bride was exceedingly pretty dressed in a handsome traveling suit. The groom is to be congratulated on winning such a prize for a life partner. Mr. Hamner was depot agent here several years and made many friends during his stay, who rejoice with him in his good fortune. The happy couple left on the 10 o'clock train for Tybee where they will spend the honey moon amid the gayeties of that popular resort. A large number of their relatives and friends were at the train to offer congratulations and bid them bon voyage, and the Patriot joins them in these good wishes. From the Marion County Patriot dated 10/27/1899 Lanier - Wooten That was a happy wedding at the home of Mrs. A. P. Wooten, Thursday afternoon, Oct. 26th, at one o'clock, that united the hearts and lives of Miss Anna Howard Wooten and Mr. Phillip Lanier, of West Point, Ga. As the sweet strains of the Bridal Chorus, rendered by Miss Lucille Lowe, floated across the company, Misses Mina Wooten and Bennie Fontaine, entered the parlor, carrying ribbons that extended from the door to a handsome bank of green on the opposite side of the room. Following Misses Wooten and Fontaine, came Misses Lanier and Alexander, the four forming an archway through which the remainder of the bridal party passed. The handsome groom entered with his brother, Mr. Horace Lanier. The maid of honor, Miss Lizzie May Wooten, preceded the lovely bride, who leaned upon the arm of her brother, Mr. William C. Wooten. Rev. Geo. S. Johnston immpressively pronounced them husband and wife with the ring ceremony. Immediately the company repaired to the dining room where an elaborate breakfast was served by Misses Lillian and Lois McMichael, Minnie Lowe, Annie Tharpe and Willie Bell Watthews. The rays of sunlight were shut out, and the home within, was brilliantly illuminated. In the parlor, smilax crept above the mantel, whose mirrors reflected the cut glass bowls filled with fragrant white flowers. Dainty bamboo, graceful, feathery ferns, and majestic palms were additional ornaments to ths already beautiful apartment. In the sitting room, quantities of Golden Rod and rich, bright- colored autumn leaves with red berries, suggested the season. The dining room was a scene of rare radiance. Here, the color scheme of green and white prevailed. Vine draperies were used in profusion. The snowy beauty of the large round table, upon which the bridal breakfast was served, was rendered peculiarly striking by the antique candelabra. The fair, happy, young bride was becomingly robed in a pale grey costume of cripe de chine, trimmed in real lace. Her bouquet was of Bride's Roses, emblematic of happy love. The bridesmaids wore elegant day toilets, and carried LaFrance roses. Mrs. Lanier is a young women of many admirable traits. Combined with her beauty and intellectuality, she possesses amialbility, a bright sunny disposition and the rare virtue of simplicity. Those who know her best, can most heartily congratulate the fortunate groom upon winning her for his life-long companion. Mr. Lanier is a young man of sterling qualities, wide-spread popularity and prominence in business circles. Rarely is there ever seen such an array of handsome wedding gifts as this couple recieved. Six large tables were ladened with presents of gold, silver, china and cut glass. Perhaps the most valuable gifts were a set of china of white and gold presented by the bride's family, and a complete chest of silver, a gift of the groom's family. The hosts of friends of Mr. and Mrs. Lanier, all over the state extend their best wishes to them in this new step that they have taken in life's journey. May the future hold for them nought but peace, happiness and prosperity. From the Marion County Patriot dated 2/26/1897 Death of Mr. R. C. Wooten One of the saddest deaths which has ever occurred in Buena Vista was that of Mr. Richard C. Wooten which took place rather suddenly last Tuesday morning about 4 o'clock. The immediate cause of his death was the rupture of a blood vessle on the brain. The funeral services were held at the residence of Mrs. Wooten at 8 o'clock Wednesday morning, conducted by Rev. H. C. Brewton. The remains were carried to Dawson for burial Wednesday, and a large number of the friends of the family were at the depot to do honor to the dead and offer whatever assistance was necessary. The ladies were there in large numbers with their offerings of flowers and sympathy. The remains were accompanied to Dawson by the family of the deceased, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Lowe, Mrs. Clifford Lowe, Miss Ida Merritt, Hon. G. P. Munro, R. L. McMichael and the following pall bearers: Judge J. J. Dunham, J. O. Smith, W. L. Guy, L. H. Webb, Clark Duncan and E. M. Tharpe, Jr. The PATRIOT joins the many friends of the family in expressions of sympathy in the untimely loss of their loved one. From the Marion County Patriot dated October 20, 1905 W. C. Munro Dead Mr. Geo. W. C. Monroe, an old respected citizen of this county, died at his residence at Putnam, on Thursday, October 13, at 11 a. m., after a lingering illness of two years duration. He was 81 years of age and had resided in the home where he died for more than 50 years. His funeral was conducted at the home, in the presence of a large number of relatives, friends and neighbors, at 2:30 on Friday, and his remains were interred in the family cemetery near the home. Mr. Monro was the father of Hon. Geo. P. Monro, our fellow townsman; Mrs. Ola Evans, of Plains; Mrs. Simpson, of Waverly Hall; Miss Ida Monro, of Putman; Dr. Henry Monro of Ellaville, and Lieut. Horace Monro, of the United States Army. From The Marion County Argus dated September 16, 1887 (The following little poem was written by Mr. G. W. C. Munro in his courting days -- ED) Stay thou gentle, tender, budding, blushing rose. And let not winning, wooing, sighing, cooing love yet disturb thy sweet repose. Rosy cheeks and bright bewitching, kindly, sparkling, celestial beaming eyes. Adorn thy cheeks as stars the overhanging sable mantling skies. Heaven's only worthy prize, tis but for thee thy lover sighs. From the Marion County Argus dated December 3, 1881 An Aged Lady Dead Mrs. M. A. Slappy sister of Mr. G. W. C. Munro died Thursday night of last week and was buried at the Peach Orchard Cemetery. She was 74 years old and her death had been expected for a long while. Mrs. Slappy was the mother of eleven children, neither of whom was present to weep over the grave. Her husband and all her children had proceeded her on that bourne from which no travelor returns. From the Marion County Patriot dated 12-23-1878 By Rev. J. P. Wardlow on December 23rd Mr. Robert Simpson of Harris County and Miss Mattie Munro of Marion County. From the Marion County Patriot dated September 15, 1899 Death of Mrs. H. Stevens Mrs. H. Stevens died last Sunday morning about 1 o'clock at Dr. Stewart's sanitarium in Columbus, where she had been two weeks previous to her death under treatment. Our people were shocked beyond measure when the news of her death was received here about 9 o'clock Sunday morning because it was unexpected. The last news of her condition was to the effect that she was getting along finely, but she suddenly grew worse Saturday afternoon at 4 o'clock and for some reason a telegram could not be gotten through to her family here announcing the sudden change for the worse. The remains arrived in Buena Vista Sunday morning at half past 11 o'clock and were taken to the residence of Mr. J. W. Roberts, from which place the funeral took place at 4 o'clock Sunday afternoon. The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. N. R. Sanborn at the Baptist church, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Baptist cemetery, followed by a large concourse of the people of Buena Vista who were deeply moved with reverence for the dead and sympathy for the loved ones whom she left behind. Mrs. Stevens, was the daughter of the late Dr. J. L. Baker and sister of Mrs. J. W. Roberts of Buena Vista and Dr. W. E. Baker of Portageville, Mo. She leaves a husband and six children to mourn her death. Mrs. Stevens had been a member of the Baptist church since her girlhood, and was a consecrated Christian woman, whose influence for good will live long after her. The Patriot deeply sympathizes with the bereaved ones in this hour of their sore distress. From Marion County Patriot dated January 6, 1905 Nicholson-Stevens At the residence of the bride, at Pineville, on Sunday afternoon last Mrs. Ella E. Nicholson and Mr. Hampton Stevens were united in the sacred bonds of marriage. The ceremony was performed in the parlor by Rev. W. W. Riner, in the presence of a few friends of the happy couple. After the ceremony the bridal party entered carriages and come to Buena Vista, where they will reside at Mr. Steven's residence. Tuesday evening a formal reception was given by Mr. Stevens to his bride, followed by an elegant supper. Quite a number of invited guests were present. Mr. Stevens is one of the best known citizens of this county, a cotton dealer of long experience, and is a man who numbers his friends by the hundred. His bride is a woman of many sterling qualities, and is well suited to make a splendid wife for the man who won her. From the Buena Vista Argus, dated July 28, 1876 Mr. Hampton Stevens, Sr. one of the oldest and best citizens of Marion County, died suddenly in Harris county, at the residence of his son-in-law, Mr. Roberts, on Tuesday last, 25th inst. of congestion of the lungs. A more extended notice will be given next week. The next weeks issue of the Argus was a missing copy and could not be filmed. From the Buena Vista Argus dated Friday, October 6, 1876 The Funeral Sermon of Hampton Stevens Sr., deceased, will be preached in Buena Vista, the 5th Sunday in October by Rev. W. W. Stewart of Talbotton. All are invited to attend. From the Marion County Patriot dated January 28, 1898 Death of Mr. J. H. Stevens Mr. J. H. Stevens, living near Putnam in this county, died last Friday morning after an illness of some length. Mr. Stevens was advanced in years and was highly esteemed for his integrity and moral worth. He was the father of Mr. Morgan Stevens, of Americus, and brother of Mr. P. S. Stevens and Mrs. G. W. C. Munro, of Putnam, Mr. Monroe Stevens, of Shellman, Mr. H. Stevens, Mrs. A. P. Wooten and Mrs. E. A McMichael of Buena Vista. From the Americus Weekly Times - Recorder dated June 5, 1913 (Thursday) Ellaville was saddened last Saturday by the announcement of the death of Mr. P. H. Stevens of Putnam. Mr. Stevens was more than eighty years old, and was well and favorably known to all of our citizens. He had always taken an active interest in religious matters and stood for all that helped to make the world better. He is survived by his aged wife and a large number of children and grandchildren. His remains were interred at Putnam Sunday afternoon, Rev. R. M. Rustin officiating. From the Marion County News dated 11-8-1889 Mr. N. C. Stevens of Darrow La, is here visiting relatives. He is the brother of Hamp Stevens and Messrs. Stevens of Putnam. He left Marion County 15 years ago. From the Marion County Patriot dated 11-3-1882 Hymenial Monday morning at the residence of the brides parents in Buena Vista, Mr. J. W. Roberts and Miss Neppie Baker were united in the holy bond of wedlock, Rev. Mr. Stevens officiating. The groom is one of our most enterprising young merchants and the bride one of Buena Vista's loveliest young ladies. Gentle and lovely, she possesses all of those graceful accomplishments that conspire to make a true woman, and eminently fit her to grace the home of the man to whom she has entrusted her happiness. Immediately after the ceremony the happy pair left to visit the groom's parents in Harris county. Numerous friends join in wishing them a long and happy life. From the Marion County Patriot da ted 7-28-1899 McMichael - Weaver Dr. J. A. Weaver and Miss Minnie Sheppard McMichael were married at the home of the bride parents, Capt. and Mrs. J. W. Sheppard, Wednesday evening, July 26th. At nine o'clock the strains of the Wedding March, rendered by Mrs. Chas. Clements, floated across the parlor. Keeping in time with the music entered the fair bride, leaning on the steady arm of the elated, handsome groom. They were immediately proceeded by Alva Weaver, Jr. and fairy-like litte Minnie McMichael, Rev. N. R. Sanborn then advanced and eloquently and impressively pronounced the words that made them man and wife. Gladness then flung her bright warm arms around the guests, and congratulations and best wishes were showered upon the happy couple, who were now one in heart, one in enterest, one in destiny. The beautiful bride was becomingly attired in an airy chiffon, garnishes with quantities of laces, tucks and frills. In her brown, waving hair reposed a Bride's rose. The snowy whiteness of her costume was suggestive of the truth, purity and goodness that emauate from her soul. The elegant home was agolwo with hospitality and splender. Long before the home was reached, rays of inviting light could be seen streaming from the delicately tinted Japanese lanterns, and fron the doors and windows. Taste and refinement were displayed in every detail of the marriage and reception. The atmosphere was ladened with perfume from the bowls of roses placed here, there and everywhere in the halls, parlor and refreshment room. Vine wreathings, ferns and palms lent the charm of their beauty to the halls and dining room. Dr. J. A. Weaver is one of Buena Vistas most prominent and influential citizens. He is a man of courage, stability and determination. He has lots of friends all over the state who rejoice with him in his present happiness. Mrs. McMichael, the daughter of our honerable mayor, is a woman of culture, intellect and refinement. Her friends, whom she numbers by her acquaintances, wish her all possible happiness and prosperity. May the new ties that bind their hearts remain as strong as death. May their hearts, formed to be twins in congeniality, sympathy and love ever beat in perfect unison, each saddened by the burdens of the other and brightened by the others joys. Finally may their love soar to realms Elys--- where it may be rendered perfect. From the Marion County Patriot dated January 5, 1894 Weaver-Dassinger Last Wednesday morning at the home of the bride's grandmother at Waggaman, La., Dr. J. A. Weaver of Buena Vista, and Miss Rena Dassinger, of Waggaman, were joined in the holy bonds of matrimony. The happy couple arrived in Buena Vista last Friday night and were given a hearty reception. It was the intention of the boys to give the doctor and his bride a regular ovation, but the weather was too inclement. They are comfortably domiciled at the Harvey residence, where they are at home to their friends. Dr. Weaver is one of our most prominent young physicians and has many friends not only in Buena Vista but this entire section of the country who will rejoice in his good fortune. The PATRIOT extends its congratulations and wishes them bon voyage on life's journey. from Marion County Patriot dated 11/25/1898 Death of Mrs. Weaver Mrs. Weaver, wife of Dr. J. A. Weaver, after a long illness breathed her last Thursday night of last week at about 9 o'clock, and her spirit took its flight back to the God who gave it. Mrs. Weaver was formerly Miss Reina Dassinger, of Waggamon, La., and was a very accomplished woman, both as to letters and the musical art. She was a good woman, good wife and mother. She leaves a husband and two children one of which is an infant, to mourn her untimely departure from earth. The remains of Mrs. Weaver were laid to rest in the Methodist Cemetery in Buena Vista Friday afternoon at 3 o'clock, and a large number of people showed their respect and appreciation of the deceased in life by their presence in death. Dr. Weaver has the sympathy of the people in this hour of his sore bereavement. Thanks I ask the friends, who were so attentive to my wife during recent illness and death, to accept my sincere thanks, for their many acts of kindness. Respectfully, J. A. WEAVER From Marion County Patriot dated May 25, 1900 Death of Mrs. Stevens Mrs. V. P. Stevens, an estimable lady well known in Americus, died yesterday morning at her home in Moultrie. The remains accompanied by her husband, Dr. V. P. Stevens and three little children, arrived here yesterday by the 1:34 Central train. The body was carried out to Putnam Saturday for burial. Mrs. Stevens was only about twenty-three years of age and her untimely death is greatly deplored. --Americus Recorder. Mrs. Stevens was formerly Miss Nettie Dassinger a native of Louisiana, but she had many friends in this section who regret to learn of her death. She was a sister to Mrs. J. A. Weaver, who died here a few years ago. From the Buena Vista Argus dated 3-28-1884 Mr. Hurt Stevens has been confined to his bed the past few days with a cold and fever, but we are glad to see him up again. From the Americus Time Recorder dated February 18, 1941 Hamp Stevens Ellaville, Dies Prominent Farmer, Businessman Ellaville, GA Feb 18 J. H. Stevens, prominent Ellaville banker, warehouseman, and large Schley county landowner and farmer, died Monday night at 11:40 o'clock. His death followed an illness of several months. He was 75 years old. Mr. Stevens had served as president of the Bank of Ellaville ever since the organization of the bank on September 16, 1910, a period of more than 30 years. A successful businessman and farmer, Mr. Stevens was president of the Stevens Warehouse company, which also sold farming equipment and bought and sold farm produce, and was operator of a large peach orchard in Schley County and did extensive farming. Associated in business with Mr. Stevens was his son T. H. Stevens. Mr. Stevens was one of this sections leading citizens. He was a former mayor of Ellaville. Mr. Stevens was a trustee and steward in the Hopewell Methodist church in Schley County. He moved into Ellaville more than 30 years ago. Mr. Stevens was a trustee of the Schley high school. A native of Marion county, Mr. Stevens was the son of the late Putnam Stevens for whom the Putnam community between Ellaville and Buena Vista was named, and Mrs. Josephine Hurt Stevens. It was in the Putnam community that Mr. Stevens was reared. Mr. Stevens married Miss Helen Sewell of Americus in 1893, two years after he had moved from Marion to Schley county. Surviving Mr. Stevens are his wife: son T. H. Stevens: Four daughters, Mrs. Albert Richardson, Mrs. Bud Hayes, Mrs. Harold Ware, and Mrs. Clint Johnson, all of Ellaville: and three grandchildren, Helen, T. H. Jr., and Anne Stevens, all of Ellaville. One son Orbie H. Stevens died in 1931. Funeral Wednesday The funeral services will be held at the Stevens home Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Rev. Roy J. Bond, pastor of the Ellaville Methodist church, and Rev. Hugh Dozier, pastor of the Ellaville Baptist church will officiate. Interment will be in the Ellaville Cemetery. Americus Ga. "Weekly Recorder" dated June 23, 1887 FROM PUTNAM Miss Lissa Stevens will open the second term of her school at this place in a few days. As a teacher Miss Lissa won golden honors during her last term, and we dare say she will have a full school for her second term. From the Marion County Patriot dated October 9, 1930 Mrs. Gresham's Injuries Fatal Schley County Woman in Automobile Wreck Dies Mrs. Bob Gresham, 66, who was injured in an automobile accident on the Columbus-Americus highway last Tuesday, died at 7 o'clock Saturday evening. Mrs. Gresham and her husband were returning to their home at Putnam, after visiting Ellaville when their machine collided with a car driven by Holly Bryant of Tampa, Fla. Bryant and his companion Carl Hill, were apprehended in Albany, Ga., and brought here. Hill was later released and Bryant yesterday gave bond in the sum of $1000. Mr. Gresham was also badly injured in the accident, but is believed to be on the road to recovery. He is a retired maintence foreman for the Central of Georgia railway, by which company he he had been employed for many years. The funeral of Mrs. Gresham was held at the Methodist church in Ellaville on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Besides her husband, Mrs. Gresham is survived by three daughters, Mrs. David Wicker, Americus; Mrs. Bob Thomas, Atlanta; Mrs. Howell Eason of Atlanta, and one son Thomas Edison Gresham of Atlanta. Three brothers J. H. Stevens, Ellaville; W. C. Stevens of Atlanta; and R. W. Stevens of Buena Vista, and one sister Mrs. S. C. Collins of Ellaville also survive her. From Marion County Patriot dated 12/10/1886 Mr. Joel Stevens Mr. Joel Stevens, son of Mr. P. S. Stevens of Putnam, this county died at Dawson, Monday night of typhoid fever, after a lingering illness of several weeks. Mr. Stevens had been traveling on the road as a salesman and was taken sick at Dawson where he remained until his death. He was a young man man of excellent character and will have a host of friends in this section to mourn his death. His remains were brought up Tuesday and were buried at Good Hope church Wednesday. The Patriot sympathizes with the bereaved family. From Marion County Patriot dated 12/17/1886 Tribute to Joel Stephens by a friend We would sooner have thought our deceased friend would have been permitted to do for us what we are about to do for him but as the invisible laws of nature have made it different we now, while the record of his generous life twine around our memory and his every unselfish act is a fragrant flower, pay this last sad tribute to his pathetic dust. Joel died where noble youth was being tenderly kissed by the gentle dews of dawning manhood. The spring time of his life had been thrilled with a tremulous desire for all that was noble and elevating. Life's summer promised to make her billowed breast for him the home and throne of peace, happiness and love; while autumn with her arms well filled, promised to lay at his feet the sun-kissed fruits of a useful life, to be enjoyed in Winter's quiet days. But late decreed it different. No boy had a brighter prospect than he. The very soul of nobility, not blinded by fancies of youth, but realizing that life existed in being and not seeming. He possessed an indomitable will, a soul of kindness, an intellect that prepared him for the duties and business of life and made him a pride to relatives and friends. Of the storms and waves that dash against the frail barks of human life, Joel met them all bravely. Through the darkest clouds that ever rolled across his life, Hope ever pointed to the sparkling pinacle of Fame. But when it seemed that only clear waters were before him, his bark struck the hidden rock and his manly form sank beneath the cruel waves and a tragedy was enacted as sad as can be woven in the warp and woof of mystery and death. But this is only another sad picture that has been hung in the picture gallery of the past. There is a precipice in the way of us all. In our course we find many things that please and delight; birds sind, flowers wave along the shore, we would stop but we cannot; time rushes us on; nearer and nearer the brink we draw, we shudder and catch our breath, and it is over. So it was with our loved and loving son, brother and friend, and we are forced to submit to the inevitable, yet the virtues he practiced are immortal. Blow soft ye winds o'er Joel's grave, and lightly fall ye snows, A fitting shroud to cover him, In this his last repose. For he on earth like Him was pure, He's happy now in heaven; Gone to receive the "promises" To Chistian virtue given. Putnam December 10, 1886 From the Marion County Patriot dated July 30, 1900 Melson - Stevens There was a very quiet and unpretentious wedding at the Baptist church last Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock in which Miss Nep Stevens and Prof. J. H. Melson of Grantville were joined in the holy estate of matrimony. It was known that these popular young people were to be married some time in July, but few knew that it was to take place last Sunday until the day arrived. It was intended to have a quiet home wedding at the residence of the bride's uncle, Mr. J. W. Roberts, but at the last moment it was decided to have the ceremony performed in the church, as a large number of school children expressed a desire to witness it. A large crowd gathered in the church at the appointed hour, and as the sweet tones of the wedding march by Mrs. Hollis floated out upon the air the handsome couple entered the church and marched down the center aisle to the altar, where the ceremony was performed by Rev. J. Howard Carpenter, the pastor. There ceremony was delivered in verse, it being a poetical eulogy on love with a final culmination in matrimony. Messrs. H. H. Hammer and Louis Webb acted as ushers. Immediately after the ceremony the happy couple boarded the west bound train for the home of the groom's parents at Cookville. The bride was dressed in a handsome travelling suit and was the picture of loveliness. They will return to Buena Vista at an early date, as they are the elected teachers for the Buena Vista High School for the next school year. The Patriot joins a host of friends in wishing for them a happy wedded life.